Tane Mahuta Walk
Waipoua Forest
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Better than ever
Better than ever
A recent partnership between DOC and the local Maori Iwi has produced great things at our lord of the forest.
There’s now a local stationed at the base of Tāne Mahuta at all times. During our recent visit, this local was Henry. He’s got a quiet mana about him, has Henry. This quality brings a quiet, respectful atmosphere that felt very special. Henry knows his stuff. So I’d recommend you ask him some questions. Tāne Mahuta’s story (and Henry’s story to some degree) will slowly unfold. We didn’t want to leave and neither did anyone else.
Opening hours are now strict and you don’t want to miss this. In peak season Tāne is open between 8.30am and 5pm, reducing to 9am and 3pm over winter.
Photos
Information
Tane Mahuta Walk
325 m return | 10 minutes return
Tāne Mahuta, God of the Forest, is estimated to be 2,300 years old. He is 51.5 metres high, has a girth of 13.8 metres. He rises nearly 10 metres before there is any tapering in his trunk. He is the largest, best-known and most publicised kauri tree.
This is a spiritual place. When quiet, you can feel it.
Walking Track
Timing
Opening hours are now in play.
8.30am - 5.pm in peak summer. Reducing to 9am- 3pm in winter.
Access
Tane Mahuta is comprehensively signposted on S.H.12, 11km north of the Waipoua Visitor Centre. There are toilets, picnic tables and roadside parking nearby.
Track
The track is a wide boardwalk which protects the shallow fragile root systems of the tree.
You'll need to clean your footwear on entry and exit. This reduces the chance of Kauri Dieback disease affecting the trees.
Flora
Tāne Mahuta is 2300 years old and the 5th to largest tree in the world. It's crazy to think that the largest ever recorded kauri had a girth nearly twice as large!
Over 15% of the recorded species in the Waipoua Forest live as an empire of epiphytes in the clefts between the trees' upper branches. Moisture collects in these hollows and a moss begins to form. This creates an embryonic soil for a seed, either blown by the wind or dropped by a bird, to germinate. The leaf litter accumulates and develops humus, sustaining the plant. In this way a hanging garden evolves in the tree.
Check out the hanging forest within Tāne's limbs.
Polynesian History
In Maori mythology, Tāne was the son of Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanaku (Earth Mother).
With his almighty strength, he separated their embrace, creating light, air and space – the elements for life to flourish.
Tāne is thus seen as the life giver and all living creatures are his progeny.
Details
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Organisation |
DOC NorthlandCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Hokianga |
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Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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These trees are big.
LaurensD -
Nice and easy short walk through the forest.
LuukKarin -
Easy walkways through impressive forest.
Stella and Merle -
Really impressive Kauri tree.
Birthe -
Be amazed and belittled all over the country.
Derek Dean
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Amazing to see the largest kauri tree.
Short walk from the road. Be sure to clean your shoes properly at the station on the way in and out of the walk to help stop the spread of kauri die back disease. Toilets across the toad as well as awesome fresh fruit ice cream. Worth the stop along the way.
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Really amazing, it's worth while a stop, just 5 min walking from the road.
A monster tree that I'll always remember.
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Beautiful walks and loops under the tree of Waipoua Forest with stunning stops in front of the biggest Kauri.
Quiet atmosphere and respectful people. Information and signage are helpful - congratulations!!
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A short walk to see the biggest living Kauris in the country.
It is a nice, easy flat walk.
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A short walk takes you to the biggest Kauri tree in New Zealand which is very impressive, unlike anything I have ever seen.
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A great walk under the cooling shadows of the Kauri trees.
Great conditions and clean facilities.
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Really impressive Kauri tree.
It is an easy walk over a wooden board path. You can see the biggest Kauri tree of New Zealand!
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Lovely short walk through the forest to see New Zealand's mightiest Kauri tree.
There is also the Four Sisters, four trees all growing together.
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Very big and nice trees.
I believe it was the biggest tree in New Zealand. The drive along the west coast is also very nice.
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Amazing to see the largest kauri tree.
Short walk from the road. Be sure to clean your shoes properly at the station on the way in and out of the walk to help stop the spread of kauri die back disease. Toilets across the toad as well as awesome fresh fruit ice cream. Worth the stop along the way.
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Really amazing, it's worth while a stop, just 5 min walking from the road.
A monster tree that I'll always remember.
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A short walk to see the biggest living Kauris in the country.
It is a nice, easy flat walk.
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Beautiful walks and loops under the tree of Waipoua Forest with stunning stops in front of the biggest Kauri.
Quiet atmosphere and respectful people. Information and signage are helpful - congratulations!!
-
-
A short walk takes you to the biggest Kauri tree in New Zealand which is very impressive, unlike anything I have ever seen.
-
-
A great walk under the cooling shadows of the Kauri trees.
Great conditions and clean facilities.
-
Really impressive Kauri tree.
It is an easy walk over a wooden board path. You can see the biggest Kauri tree of New Zealand!
-
-
Lovely short walk through the forest to see New Zealand's mightiest Kauri tree.
There is also the Four Sisters, four trees all growing together.
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-
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Very big and nice trees.
I believe it was the biggest tree in New Zealand. The drive along the west coast is also very nice.
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What a nice walk to see some Kauri trees.
Two of them are more than 1000 years old and they are huge. This will make you feel how small you are against the nature. Good experience and amazing feeling.
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Very impressive to see something that old.
Big cultural must do. Nice five minute walk.